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The Honda CR-V is known for its practicality. When it was launched back in 1990 it was one of the original compact SUVs to hit the market, and now in its fourth generation with this facelifted car, the CR-V is more premium than ever without sacrificing anything in the way of usability.

On-paper economy is impressive, as is its refinement on the move, but it’s the Honda’s big boot that is the most appealing thing. The crossover sector is crowded and the CR-V has many rivals, but the likes of the Mazda CX-5, Hyundai ix35, Ford Kuga and Kia Sportage can’t hold a candle to the Honda’s spacious load bay, versatile rear seats and roomy interior.

Many of its competitors are more fun to drive, however, but the CR-V is a relaxed motorway cruiser – although we’d suggest sticking to the diesel engines on offer for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The engine line-up is compact, with just three options to choose from, including 118bhp and 158bhp versions of Honda’s 1.6-litre turbodiesel, as well as a 153bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine. All are nicely refined, but it’s the diesels that make more sense, with lower CO2 emissions and greater efficiency helping keep a lid on running costs.

Alongside the three engine choices, depending on the power unit you can either have a six-speed manual or a nine-speed automatic, as well as two- or four-wheel drive.

The range is made up of S, SE, SR and EX models. All feature alloy wheels, climate control, cruise control and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, while you can add things like sat-nav and Bluetooth as part of Honda’s options packages – with only SR and top-spec EX models boasting integrated nav as standard.

Styling

3.5

The previous generation Honda CR-V looked a little awkward from some angles, but the latest version has a cohesive, no-nonsense look about it. Compared to rivals such as the Nissan Qashqai and Mazda CX-5, though, the CR-V can look a little slab-sided and bland.

Wraparound headlights and a grille featuring three prominent chrome bars contribute to a more aggressive front end compared to its predecessor, too. Slight changes were made in early 2015, when the car received a light update to the front and rear – as well as tweaked suspension, steering and gearbox components. The overall design alterations add up to make a more attractive car, even if we wouldn’t exactly call it striking.

Inside, the dash in the CR-V is less button-heavy than other models in the Honda range, and the quality of plastics used is robust, even if they feel solid to the touch. However, the trade-off of this button-free design is that you get a cheap-looking touchscreen infotainment system slotted into the dash.

While it isn't the most exciting interior to be in, you get a sense that it will cope easily with the demands of family life. The only other major niggle is that the computer displays – housed above the sat-nav and in the speedometer – look a tad blocky compared to more recent rivals.

Driving

3.4

Honda has a strong history in building great engines, and the latest 1.6 i-DTEC diesel is one of its most impressive recent additions. The latest technology has been used to maximise efficiency in the CR-V, while it also delivers strong pace for such a small capacity in a car of this size. This engine is now also available with a new nine-speed automatic gearbox, although unfortunately this isn’t as good. It’s sluggish to respond and although gear changes are smooth, it dulls the engine’s performance.

The 1.6 i-DTEC is relatively quiet on start-up, with only a hint of diesel rattle. It remains a smooth and refined performer up to its 5,000rpm limiter. Opt for the six-speed manual instead of the new automatic unit and you’ll find it a pleasure to use thanks to precise gear changes. However, even despite its impact on acceleration, the auto suits the car's laid back, relaxed nature even better.

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The rest of the CR-V's driving experience can't quite match the engine, though. This compact SUV has been designed with practicality and comfort in mind, so there's not much fun to be had. The plus side of this setup is that bumps and potholes are soaked up well.

Grip is also decent, especially on four-wheel drive models, but the slow steering means you have to turn the wheel more than you might expect to navigate a corner, which doesn't inspire confidence. If you want a more engaging Honda to drive with similar carrying capacity, it might be worth looking at the Volkswagen Golf rival, the Honda Civic.

Reliability

4.3

As with most Japanese manufacturers, Honda has a strong reputation for building solid, reliable cars. It finished in 18th place in the manufacturer rankings in our Driver Power satisfaction survey, with the car itself placing in a strong 21st position. Owners praised its reliability, practicality, build quality and comfort, and Honda's dealers are well regarded, too.

The CR-V is one of the safest compact SUVs you can buy thanks to its five-star Euro NCAP rating. Honda also provides six airbags, tyre pressure monitors, stability control with trailer assist, and three Isofix points as standard equipment.

Kit like xenon headlights and front and rear parking sensors is reserved for higher spec models, though, while the firm’s autonomous braking and collision warning systems are also on offer to further improve safety.

Practicality

4.5

The Honda CR-V is one of the most practical cars in the compact SUV class, and offers 589 litres of boot space with the rear seats in place. With these folded down, load space grows to a cavernous 1,669 litres. It’s helped by Honda’s Magic Seats – this means the back seat bases fold upwards and the backs down to create a flat load bay and masses of practicality. Handles in the boot allow you to complete this manoeuvre in one easy motion. The wide tailgate opens lower than the previous generation, making loading larger items an easy process, too.

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Storage space inside the CR-V is impressive and the interior is well designed to cater for the demands of family life. A large armrest cubby-hole and big glovebox feature to help maximise interior space, while big door bins help for stowing items like mobile phones.

The CR-V is relatively well-equipped, with entry-level models coming with dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloys wheels, multifunction steering wheel, heated electric mirrors and cruise control as standard. You can upgrade the specification to improve equipment levels, but be careful, as prices can rise steeply towards the top of the range.

Running Costs

4.4

What the CR-V lacks in driver involvement and excitement, the 1.6 i-DTEC engine more than makes up for with impressive fuel economy and CO2 figures. On the combined cycle, the lower-powered 118bhp CR-V returns a best of 64.1mpg (two-wheel drive manual model) and CO2 emissions of 115g/km.

The more powerful 158bhp i-DTEC diesel is still impressive, offering 57.7mpg and CO2 emissions of 125g/km according to Honda – replacing the 2.2-litre i-DTEC at the top of the CR-V tree. It’s only available with four-wheel drive.

The petrol versions are less frugal, though. The 2.0-litre VTEC engine has a strong thirst with combined cycle figures of 39.2mpg and CO2 emissions of 168g/km for manual, front-wheel drive models. These figures become even less impressive for cars specced with automatic gearboxes and all-wheel drive, at a worst of 36.7mpg and 179g/km CO2.

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Submitted by hassan on Sun, 2012-11-11 04:31.

this is neha kaur chat

Submitted by George on Sat, 2012-11-24 17:14.

Test drove one yesterday. Smooth and easy to drive but the seats are too short from front to back.

Submitted by Malcolm on Fri, 2012-12-28 09:38.

I"ve got a early model CRV and although a nice car, a few days ago it was leaking water in and the passenger footwell was absolutlely soaking ! Justing wondering, has anyone experienced anything similar ?

Submitted by Carl on Wed, 2013-01-23 09:59.

I've got a 57 plate series 2 CRV and it's a fab car (although not perfect), but it has one MAJOR fault. Dual mass flywheels fail regularly; mine has had three replaced! The first (at 55,000 miles) was done under Honda warranty. The second (at 115,000 miles) was done under Leaseplan warranty (it was my company car which I bought from Leaseplan when I left the company). The third ( a couple of weeks ago at 145,000 miles) was down to me to pay for......... The bill was over £2000. Yes they're good cars and typically reliable, but be prepared for BIG garage bills down the line. These cars are not cheap to run!

Other more minor niggles; you can't manually switch on 4 wheel drive. From a standing start in slippy conditions (like today's snow) you need permanent 4WD and you can't have it, you have to wait until the front wheels slip when the automatic 4WD switches on, but it's too late by then; you're sliding. Locking diffs would have been useful in Friday's snow (I got well and truly stuck!) but these don't usually come on SUVs anyway. And automatic wipers fail which needs a replacement motor, which (you guessed it) is stupidly expensive.

Summary; great car if you have (very) deep pockets to cover the maintenance costs. Would I have another? No; too damned expensive to run!

Submitted by xc60hehe on Mon, 2013-02-04 19:32.

New CRV vs XC60

Submitted by GeTod on Tue, 2013-02-05 10:58.

Why is not having a 7 seater such a negative..... the preferred BMW she refers to in the video doesn't come with 7 seats?

Submitted by bmw power on Tue, 2013-02-05 11:32.

i have one 2.0 petrol version. Japanese domestic market model. Brilliant car. Slightly lethargic performance but rather satisfying.

Submitted by Cuzy on Wed, 2013-02-06 16:23.

I had a problem like this in one of my previous cars and was down to blocked drain holes in the plenith chamber due to things like leaves, silt etc which caused a leak to drivers side footwell as rain water was not able to drain.

Submitted by pete_suffolk on Thu, 2013-02-07 18:23.

Oh those heavy three quarter panels! How are you supposed to turn out of an oblique junction. Form over function again! (And I dont even like the form) Get some glass in there Honda!

Submitted by Bootster on Tue, 2013-10-22 18:53.

It's the Stupidest thing putting in a 3rd row seat. Luggage becomes Zero , groceries sit in the 3rd row & when packing for vacations (for 2 weeks) with 3 kiddies either the kids get shipped by bus or the luggage gets shipped by transport . Overhead carriers can't do the trick unless going to a nudist colony I guess .

Submitted by blade on Wed, 2013-10-23 09:34.

I really like this new CR-V. My only small crit, is Honda should offer the option of a higher powered 2.2 diesel.

Submitted by David on Wed, 2014-01-15 20:05.

Honda 57 crvIt is good but do not take it to a hot country like Spain for a holiday. As the rubbers on the bottom of the windows dry up and crack then break up also the plastic on the Honda badge on front grill clouds over and then the active cruse control stops working was changed three year and is doing it again.Honda are not interested in looking or even saying anything about this. feel very bad about this but Honda promise every thing when purchasing new and then after the warranty is out show no interest at allThank you for letting me sign on and air my thoughts on this sightDavid

Submitted by Ashley93 on Sat, 2014-02-22 07:33.

What person looks out of the rear quarter window when pulling out of a junction -.-

Submitted by pete_suffolk on Sat, 2014-02-22 15:10.

In an oblique junction, which ends in a Y, where you are supposed to take the right hand route to turn right, you have to look back through the rear quarters to see what's coming from the left. There is one such junction on my route into town.

Submitted by michael on Tue, 2014-05-13 19:28.

The only main fault with the CRV is that the rear seats dont slide forward or backwards This enables one to choose between maximum passenger space and smaller boot or vice-versa(ie grandkids in the rear seats and a huge luggage space. In addition the rear seat backs dont go vertical thus restricting the useable boot space when the front seats are in use only My Outlander(7 seats) does not have these faults but otherwise the Honda is a much superior car